Friday 22nd July saw a new departure for the Artizans as we assembled in the woods to the north of Lomond Shores. We had been asked to provide an activity for a group of students from North Carolina in the USA, as part of a ‘Can You’ project.

Our good friends Cameron and John drove up from Galloway to assist and Jinty recruited Jim and the magnificent “Erchie” to the cause.

By the time the student group arrived from their base in Stirling at 10am, we were ready for a presentation on what the Strathleven Artizans were all about, King Robert the Bruce’s association with the area, the characters portrayed by specific Artizans, and the types of sword displayed by Cameron and John and their specific purposes.

The talks were followed by a hands-on session where the students were able to try on the historical clothing, handle the great variety of weapons, mount the royal steed and have the chance to impress their friends back home with some great photographs. Cameron even persuaded a young guy to dress in a plaid, a tartan frock-coat and a blue bonnet to the great amusement (and secret admiration) of his fellow students.

The very enjoyable morning ended with a battle charge and great fun was had by all concerned.

Tommy Crocket